Needle stick injuries among dental health care providers: a survey done at Hyderabad and Karachi

The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of needle stick injury [NSI] among dental health care providers including dental technicians. A cross sectional survey was conducted among dental health care providers running independent dental clinics at Hyderabad and Karachi during the month of April 2013 and a total of 166 qualified dentists and 88 dental technicians were interviewed. Ninety [54.2%] out of 166 qualified dentists and 45 [51.1%] out of 88 dental technicians had been the victims of NSI at least once in preceding 12 months. 104 [62.6%] dentists knew about universal guidelines for prevention of needle stick injury, whereas only 7 [8%] technicians knew about safety guidelines. Only 67 [40.4%] dentists out of 166 and 7 [8.0%] technicians out of 88 reported about the needle stick injury to health authorities [or seniors]. Common reasons for non-reporting among qualified dentists were: 55 [33.1%] believed that there was no benefit to report, 45 [27.1%] did not know where to report and 32 [19.3%] assumed that needle was new. In the category of technicians, 52[59.1%] did not want to report. 03[3.4%] believed needles were used for first time and 5 [5.7%] believed nothing will happen. The risk of blood borne viral infections due to needle stick injury among dental health care providers, especially dental technicians is very high. Based on local studies and international guidelines, national guidelines for Pakistan should be developed by experts to minimize the chances of needle stick injury

Acid aspiration prophylaxis during anaesthesia for caesarean section: a survey among anaesthetists at Hyderabad

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents leading to acid aspiration syndrome [AAS] is a well recognized risk factor during general anaesthesia [GA] for Caesarean section [CS]. The cross sectional observational study was conducted during July 2008 to October 2008 at Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan. The objective was to assess anaesthetic practice patterns and measures to prevent aspiration of acid gastric contents in full term pregnant women undergoing anaesthesia for Caesarean section. A structured questionnaire regarding practice of anaesthesia for Caesarean section was distributed among anaesthetists working and practicing at Hyderabad. Results from the completed questionnaires were transferred to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and the responses represented as percentages. General anaesthesia was preferred by 75.4% anaesthetists for caesarean section, 83.6% anaesthetists used rapid sequence induction with cricoid pressure during general anaesthesia, 29.5% respondents restricted clear fluids for 2-3 hours. Antacids were used by 90% of the anaesthetists, while about 50% anaesthetists performed extubation when patients were fully awake. Recommended practice patterns and measures to prevent aspiration of acid gastric contents during anaesthesia for caesarean section are not observed by most of the anaesthetists working at Hyderabad

Frequency, pattern and etiology of nosocomial infection in intensive care unit: an experience at a tertiary care hospital

Nosocomial infection is defined as an infection which develops 48 hours after hospital admission or within 48 hours after being discharged. The objectives were to assess the frequency of nosocomial infection in patients admitted to intensive care unit [ICU] and to determine the etiological factors in such patients. It was an Observational Study and conducted in Intensive Care Unit, Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad Sindh Pakistan from January 2008 to November 2008. All patients above 16 years of age admitted in the ICU for more than 48 hours and developed clinical evidence of infection that did not originate from patients' original diagnosis at the time of admission, were included in the study. Data was entered in a proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 10.0. During the study period, 97 out of 333 patients acquired nosocomial infection. The frequency of nosocomial infection was 29.13%. Respiratory tract infection was seen in 29 [30.1%], urinary tract infection in 38 [39.1%] and blood stream infection in 23 [23.7%] patients. Other infections we identified were skin, soft tissue, wound and gastrointestinal tract infections. Patients admitted in intensive care unit are at more risk of acquiring nosocomial infection from different sources. It is suggested that proper nursing care, sterilization and disinfection of instruments and equipment and careful handling of invasive procedures are the best tool to control these life threatening infections